Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S investment in satellite technology is beginning to pay off, with locally-developed agricultural technology now using data from ZimSat-2 to help farmers prepare for climate-related risks, including the expected El Niño weather phenomenon.
Agromet Chief Data Scientist Tichaona Vakasai said satellite technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and historical weather data were being combined to provide farmers with early warnings and practical information to guide their agricultural decisions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2026, Mr Vakasai said Agromet had developed an application that uses satellite imagery and weather information to predict conditions and alert farmers to potential risks.
“Using satellite technology, specifically the ZimSat-2, which was launched recently, we can make predictions and farmers can tell if there is a likelihood of an El Niño,” he said.
The development is among the emerging benefits of Zimbabwe’s investment in space science and satellite technology, with data generated from the country’s Earth observation capabilities increasingly being applied to sectors such as agriculture.
Mr Vakasai said Agromet’s platform analyses up to 15 years of historical weather data to identify patterns and provide farmers with information to help them plan for the coming agricultural season.
He said timely access to weather intelligence could enable farmers to adjust their operations before adverse conditions occur, reducing potential losses.
“By the time the disaster strikes, they are already insured, and they do not then lose out much in terms of the crop,” he said.
The platform can also help farmers decide when to undertake key activities such as planting and other crop management practices based on predicted weather conditions.
Mr Vakasai said the company was also investing in locally developed agricultural equipment and was manufacturing its own drones to complement its satellite and AI capabilities.
The drones can be used to gather detailed information from farms, allowing farmers and agricultural experts to monitor crops and assess field conditions more closely.
The combination of satellite imagery, drones, AI and historical weather information is expected to improve the ability of farmers to make decisions based on real-time and predictive data rather than relying solely on traditional weather indicators.
“We are there to help with decision-making based on data and give profound advice,” Mr Vakasai said.
He said farmers using the Agromet application could access AI-powered services, including weather prediction, which could help them identify periods of potentially adverse weather and take appropriate measures.
The increased use of technology comes as farmers face growing uncertainty caused by changing weather patterns, recurring droughts and increasingly unpredictable rainfall seasons.
With concerns over possible El Niño conditions, agricultural experts have continued to emphasise the importance of early preparation, particularly in deciding what crops to plant, when to plant and how to manage water and other inputs.
For Zimbabwe, the use of ZimSat-2 data by local companies such as Agromet demonstrates how investment in space technology can have practical applications on the ground, particularly in improving agricultural resilience and supporting national food security.
Mr Vakasai said Agromet would continue developing technologies that combine satellite data, AI and locally manufactured drones to provide farmers with information that can help them better navigate climate risks.
The developments also highlight the growing role of local innovation in turning Zimbabwe’s investment in satellite technology into practical solutions for communities and key economic sectors.
